Origin & Meaning of the Donner Surname
What does the last name Donner mean?
The surname Donner carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,068 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donner ranks as the #6,664 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donner come from?
The Donner surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Donner name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donner trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Donner |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,664 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,068 |
| Per 100K People | 1.72 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donner
According to the US Census, the Donner surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,068 Americans with the Donner last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.55% |
| Black | 6.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.09% |
| Native American | 0.85% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Donner Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donner surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donner surname decreased by 281 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Donner
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